Press Releases

December 28, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association issued this statement in response to remarks made on December 27th by Governor Cuomo’s spokeswoman Dani Lever to the Staten Island Advance that “The SAFE Act is making New York safer and saving lives.”

“The New York City Police Department does not agree with Ms. Lever, ” NYSRPA President Tom King said. “On December 21st Newsday reported that New York City’s homicide rate is up about 5% over last year. A week before that on December 13th the Daily News reported that half of the shootings within the City are gang related, mostly over petty disputes. It does not appear that either the NYPD or Crips, Bloods and Latin Kings have gotten the memo from the Governor Cuomo that New York is safer because of his gun control law.”

October 26, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association would like to comment on Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott’s promotion of a so-called “gun buyback” program.

On October 13th the Observer ran a story titled, “NYPD Deputy Commissioner: Gun Buybacks Don’t Work for NYC” which quoted NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Collaborative Policing Susan Herman telling a crowd of antigun advocates at an event at Hunter College that such turn-in programs have “minimal impact.” The Observer further noted that New York City Public Advocate Letitia James was quick to back up Ms. Herman’s assertions stating, “I’ve been involved in gun buybacks for ten years. Most of the guns that we’ve been able to recover are guns that are owned by grandmothers and great-grandmothers.” Knowing this NYSRPA is curious as to what Councilwoman Scott actually hopes to accomplish with this turn-in program?

“Nonsense such as this, along with Mayor Warren’s support of the failed SAFE Act, are the reason the City has seen a dramatic spike in shootings this year,” NYSRPA President Tom King stated. “Violent criminals do not take things like this seriously. Growing up in the area I know that Rochester residents deserve better from their elected officials than this.”

October 23, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Political Victory Fund endorses Anthony Neddo for Jefferson County District Attorney. Our endorsement is based upon his responses to our candidate questionnaire as well as recommendations from our constituents in the area.

In announcing the endorsement NYSRPA Vice President Jacob Rieper said, “Anthony Neddo is well respected by our members in Jefferson County. They have spoken on his behalf and requested the Association support his election campaign. Based upon their input, we are pleased to endorse his bid for District Attorney.”

October 6, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Political Victory Fund announces the endorsement of Paul Czajka for re-election as Columbia County District Attorney. The endorsement is based upon his strong support for Second Amendment rights throughout his career in public service.

In announcing the endorsement, NYSRPA Vice President Jacob Rieper said, “As a Columbia County resident I will be voting for Paul Czajka this November and encourage everyone to support his campaign as well.”

September 30, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Political Victory Fund endorses Brian Barrett for Essex County Court Judge. Our endorsement is based upon his experience as a defense attorney in state and federal courts and his fair and unbiased approach taken towards matters of law.

In announcing the endorsement, NYSRPA President Tom King made this statement, “I believe Brian Barrett is the right choice for Essex County. I encourage everyone to vote for him on election day this November.”

August 18, 2015 (readMedia) — First New York City, then Syracuse, now Rochester. All three municipalities have seen a spike in shootings this year under Governor Cuomo’s so-called SAFE Act. There can be no doubt that the new law is a disaster,” NYSRPA President Tom King said in response to Friday’s article in the Democrat & Chronicle reporting the City is on pace to log more shootings at any time since 2006.

“Mayor Lovely Warren championed Cuomo’s gun law. With the results showing the whole thing blowing up in her face, is Mayor Warren going to call for it’s repeal?” asked King. “I grew up in the Rochester area and I believe residents deserve an answer to this question.”

August 4, 2015 (readMedia) — NYPD statistics showing a 10% increase in murders is more evidence that the SAFE Act has not made New York City any safer for residents.

“Two months ago the NYPD acknowledged a nearly 20% increase in shootings for the year,” NYSRPA President Tom King said. “Now they are reporting murders are up 10% over the same period last year. How much more proof do we need to show that Governor Cuomo’s so-called SAFE Act is having the exact opposite effect on crime supporters said it would? It is high time for the Governor and members of the legislature to admit they made a mistake and take corrective legal action.”

July 29, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association would like to comment on Barbara Fiala’s refusal to state her positon on the SAFE Act.

“It is not necessary for Barbara Fiala to take a public position on the so-called SAFE Act as we already know what her position on the issue of guns is,” NYSRPA Vice President Jacob Rieper stated. “In a press release by Mayors Against Illegal Guns dated April 8, 2008, Barabara Fiala is listed as a member of County Executives Against Illegal Guns, an organization whose goal is to prohibit the private ownership of common firearms. We intend to inform our constituents in the Southern Tier of Fiala’s association with that group.”

July 16, 2015 (readMedia) — According to the Post-Standard, shootings in Syracuse are up 50% for the first six months of the year compared with the same time last year. When compared to the five-year average, city shootings are still up 3%.

When presented with these statistics, NYSRPA President Tom King made this statement:

“This is more proof that the so-called SAFE Act has not made Syracuse any safer for city residents. State Senator David Valesky and Assemblymen Al Stripe and Bill Magnarelli should admit they made a mistake by voting for it and support legislative efforts to repeal it.”

June 23, 2015 (readMedia) — In response to the SAFE Act gun registration numbers released by the New York State Police, NYSRPA President Tom King made this statement:

“I am amused at the pathetically low numbers of New Yorkers who registered their so-called assault rifles. The number of individuals who registered their guns is 24,000 and many of these are law-enforcement officials mandated to comply by their department. In short, New Yorkers have, by their lack of compliance, effectively repealed a portion of the NY SAFE Act. Congratulations to the gun owners of New York State.”

“The NY SAFE Act is a blatant violation of our specifcally enumerated Constitutional freedom, period. I am proud of the comprehensive litigation that NYSRPA has filed with the help and support of the NRA to overturn this deeply-flawed law. New York gun owners know it is flawed and they are not complying with it. I am confident that we will ultimately prevail in getting significant portions of the law overturned in the courts.”

June 23, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association will hold it’s 2015 Annual Meeting on July 12th at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The event is open to the public. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $5 for members and $20 for non-members which includes a one-year NYSRPA membership. All women ticket holders will be entered to win a Henry American Beauty rifle. All men ticket holders will be entered to win a Remington 700 BDL rifle.

The Remington Outdoor Group will have a display and NYSRPA members will be able to purchase Remington firearms at an unbeatable 33% off MSRP. This discount will only be available to attendees at the event. Many other gun related displays and firearms dealers will be displaying their wares as well.

Events include keynote speaker Congressman Chris Gibson at 3:00pm and Women’s Concealed Carry Fashion Show with founder Trish Cutler and Carrie Lightfoot of The Well Armed Woman at 10:00am and 4:00pm.

For more information visit the NYSRPA website at www.nysrpa.org.

June 15, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Political Victory Fund endorses Louis Falco for re-election as Rockland County Sheriff.

In making the endorsement, NYSRPA Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs Jacob Rieper made this statement:

“Sheriff Falco is well regarded in the county for his actions in support of the 2nd Amendment, from opposing the Journal News’ decision to publish an interactive map of pistol license holder’s home addresses to support ing the Rockland Legislature’s position of opposing so-called SAFE Act. The United Sportsmen’s Association of Rockland County speaks highly of him.”

June 9, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Political Victory Fund endorses Amos Goodman for Suffolk County Legislature District 2.

A member of the National Rifle Association and Maidstone Gun Club, our endorsement is based upon his strong support for 2nd Amendment civil rights.

“NYSRPA believes it is important to elect to all levels of government people who share our belief in the 2nd Amendment,” NYSRPA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Jacob Rieper said. “I think Amos Goodman will be part of the next generation of leaders to preserve and protect our civil liberties for years to come.”

NYSRPA encourages gun owners to support Goodman’s campaign for County Legislature.

June 9, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is pleased the State Senate passed bill S-5837 repealing portions of the so-called SAFE Act.

“The SAFE Act is an undeniable failure at preventing violent crime. The increase in shootings and assaults across New York City prove that,” NYSRPA President Tom King stated. “This common sense bill is a good first step at restoring the civil rights of millions of New Yorkers.”

King concluded, “There is nothing wrong with a person admitting they made a mistake. The Governor and State Assembly should have the courage to say they did just that. On behalf of the millions of firearm owners all across the state, I encourage the Assembly to take up take up companion legislation before the end of regular sessions next week.”

June 8, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York Times first reported last week that shootings in New York City have been rising for the past two years. This was followed by the NYPD reporting a 19.5% increase in City homicides during the first five months of the year. Now, according to WABC News Ch. 7, felony assaults on the subway are up 27%. Taken together it should be blindingly obvious now that New York’s new gun control laws are not doing what advocates said they would.

“During the last election, Governor Cuomo ran political ads stating “The NY SAFE Act is saving lives,” NYSRPA President Tom King said. “The results prove the exact opposite is happening. It is time for our elected officials to have an honest and open discussion on the SAFE Act and why states with less restrictive gun laws do not have these problems.”

May 26, 2015 (readMedia) — It has become painfully obvious that our state legislature has within its ranks a great many of members who neither respect nor understand the inalienable rights as enjoyed by the American people since the founding of this great nation. These people are without the backbone or the will required to do what must be done so they must be ousted at the ballot box. These unrepresentative failures must be fired and replaced with Strong New Yorkers who without reserve or hesitation will stand tall and defend our second amendment rights. By making it so we will set the tone for all decision making in Albany and insure the rest of our God given rights will also be protected. It is with a Patriotic spirit that the New York State Rifle & Pistol association is looking for a few good citizens to run for office. If you are currently represented by one of the many who disrespect and disregard your constitutionally guaranteed rights, we want to hear from you. We need good and strong people to stand up and run for office. We also need good and strong people to stand with those who chose to run for office. We need people to do more than talk the talk, it is time to stand up and walk the walk. Let us know if you are willing to pledge your life, treasure and sacred honor to represent New Yorkers in the state legislature. Will you run for office? If not, let us know if you can host an event, walk door to door, network or simply donate to a worthy to a worthy candidate. Many hands will make this herculean task a light load. Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives and Independents are welcome. Preference for support in running for office will be given to those who are registered in the party that dominates the district in question because we are serious about making these changes. If you run, expect to win and be ready to take your place in Albany! Please send resumes and cover letters or volunteer responses to: primaries2016@nysrpa-pvf.org.

May 11, 2015 (readMedia) — The election of Senator John Flanagan as the the leader of the New York State Senate Republican Caucus is a divisive blow to the freedom loving people of New York and should send a chill down the spine of every gun owner since the new leader voted in favor of the so-called SAFE Act.

What this says is the Republican Party cares nothing about the hardworking, God-fearing and 2nd Amendment loving residents of New York State. While paying lip service the concerns of their core constituency, they elect a leader who will continue the status quo. The Senators who cast their vote for Senator Flanagan must pay for this breach of trust in the next election.

April 29, 2015 (readMedia) — When voters go to the polls on May 5th for the 11th Congressional District special election they have a choice between two undesirable candidates: Vincent Gentile and Daniel Donovan.

“While Vincent Gentile has a proven record hostile to 2nd Amendment civil rights, Dan Donovan is much worse,” NYSRPA President Thomas King stated. “Donovan has used his position as Staten Island District Attorney for years to promote an elitist gun control agenda. He even accepted a $2700 donation for this race from antigun demagogue Michael Bloomberg.”

While there is no positive candidate in this race, NYSRPA believes the public should have the knowledge to make an informed decision and would remind everyone that if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

March 23, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association feels the need to issue a clarification statement regarding proposed state legislation referenced in the March 21 Post-Star story,”Assemblywoman asks students about gun safety.”

The article misrepresents the intent of the mandatory firearms storage bill A-53. The bill prohibits the keeping of firearms readily available for personal protection inside the home. It has been around for decades and debated repeatedly by members of the State Assembly so there is no confusion as to what the legislative intent is.

In 2006 prime sponsor Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg was specifically asked by Assemblyman David Townsend during the floor discussion whether the bill would impact his ability to keep a loaded .38 revolver next to his bed for personal protection. Assemblyman Townsend asked if he could be prosecuted if an unauthorized person obtained access to his gun and Assemblyman Weisenberg unequivocally stated, “to me that would be negligence.”

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Heller v. District of Columbia that laws requiring rendering firearms inoperable or locked in such a manner as to be inaccessible for self defense are unconstitutional. This decision was reaffirmed in 2008 by Suffolk County Court in the case of Colaiacovo v. Dormer with Judge Gary J. Weber stating, “Simply put, the State of New York and its agencies are no longer in a position to require that a handgun be stored in an inoperable condition or otherwise locked up if it is otherwise legally present in the owner’s dwelling.”

NYSRPA opposes A-53 and encourages all members of the legislature to vote against it.

March 18, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association would like to comment on a “Pubic Service Announcement” produced by the group States United to Prevent Gun Violence. In the video, a realistic looking gun store was set up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and potential first time gun buyers were invited in.

“First off, the firearms and accessories hanging in the background do not appear to comply with either New York City law or the so-called SAFE Act,” said NYSRPA President Thomas King.

“Second, it is a felony violation of the Sullivan Act for a person to posses a handgun anywhere in New York without a license. The video clearly shows individual “customers” handling various handguns and doing so in an unsafe manner.”

NYSRPA calls upon Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate the advertising agency which produced the video, Grey New York, for possible violations of city and state law.

March 10, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association released this statement in response to dramatic video an armed citizen stopping an assault on a NYC subway train:

“This video is undeniable proof that guns save lives,” NYSRPA President Tom King said. “Who knows what could have happened if a good guy with a gun was not onboard the train. This should be a wakeup call for the state legislature to enact much needed reform of the Sullivan Act and make New York the 44th state with a right to carry concealed firearms for personal protection law.”

March 3, 2015 (readMedia) — New statistics released by the NYPD showing an increase in homicides and shootings are more proof that gun control and the so-called SAFE Act has not made New York City any safer.

“Elected officials from the Governor on down touted the supposed benefits to public safety the SAFE Act would bring,” NYSRPA President Tom King said. “The gun control lobby followed them up with unsubstantiated claims a lazy media did not bother to investigate. Yet when the facts come out disproving their assertions, both the politicians and antigun lobbyists are silent.”

King concluded, “Here’s my suggestion to the New York media: Track down all those SAFE supporters and ask them, in light of the evidence, to justify their position.”

February 9, 2015 (readMedia) — The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association calls for former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to apologize for racist remarks he made while speaking at the Aspen Institute last week. As reported by the Aspen Times, Bloomberg stated that government needs to remove firearms from young minority males.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s statement that black males should not be allowed to have guns echos similar sentiments made by southern white supremacists in the 19th century,” said NYSRPA President Tom King. “So called “Black Codes” were enacted by various southern states to discriminate against black Americans and maintain the system of white supremacy that made slavery possible. These included restrictions on firearms possession.”

King concluded, “If a politician said this about anything other than guns, the mainstream media would be all over them. Michael Bloomberg isn’t just any politician, he is the leading voice for gun control in America. He should be held accountable for this slander.”